Family traditions die hard … if ever … especially at the holiday table, where old conversations get retold over and over, usually at someone’s expense.
To transform these conversations, it takes the willingness to work through the resistance. Remember, gossiping, “stink eye,” and negative comments are bad habits. And, many of these have been handed down from generation to generation. It’s up to you to change them for positive conversations.
5 Tips for Fun, Positive Conversations with Family
Tip #1: Have everyone share what they are grateful for … include everyone. Example: I’m grateful for a good job and the ability to work from home.
Tip #2: Have each person share something good about another person during dinner. Be sure to include everyone! Example: I’m impressed by your willingness to work and go to school at the same time.
Tip #3: Create a “Family Bingo Card” (google it) and have each person complete one. Then, have everyone share their results.
Tip #4: Turn gossip and negative comments about someone into a positive. For example: “Did you hear about xx getting canned from his second job?” Turn it around. “Did you talk with him and get his side of the story? You know that company can be a difficult one to work for.”
Tip #5: Have an electronic-free meal and table. Have everyone turn off their phone or electronic devices during the meal and stash them. Focus on the tips above.
These 5 tips are guaranteed to encourage fun, positive conversations! The bonus? You get to listen as the old conversations transform into new ones.
©Jeannette Seibly 2021 All Rights Reserved
Jeannette Seibly is The Leadership Results Coach. She has guided the creation of three millionaires and countless 6-figure income professionals for almost 30 years. Her brags include being an award-winning executive coach, management consultant, and keynote speaker. Recently, she was able to add another brag. She became an Amazon Bestselling author of her first novel, The Old Wooden Rocker … a family saga of hope for a better future. Have questions? Need a speaker or facilitator? Contact Jeannette for a confidential conversation.
A Note from Jeannette about creating fun family get-togethers. Tis the season for family meals and get-togethers. While some enjoy being with family, according to a segment on CBS Sunday Morning, over 17M family feuds are occurring. Many of these are avoidable by creating fun, positive conversations about each other. Start by taking responsibility for how you talk about members of your family and encourage others to do the same. Want to know how? Contact me for a confidential conversation.